Asics Glideride Max Running Shoes

We were almost resigned to the fact that the Asics Glideride was continuing when news broke that a new version would be available on September 17th, not called the Asics Glideride 4, which would be the next in line, but the Asics Glideride Max. Although the nature of the Glideride remains the same, a comfortable daily running shoe for long distances, it has changed a lot and it is no coincidence that it is called Max and not 4. What is much bigger and more important is that the Asics Glideride Max comes with two technological innovations, one is the debut of Asics’ new FlyteFoam Blast Max midsole foam, the other is a compressed EVA plate in the midsole, which is not as stiff as a carbon plate, but increases the dynamics of the shoe and improves stability.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is also a daily running shoe for longer distances, the difference between the two shoes is that the Glideride midsole is a little softer, a little more dynamic, with faster transitions. The Glideride Max is 14 grams lighter. The Nimbus is a bit stiffer, has better shock absorption and is more for the heel strikers.

Asics Glideride Max upper

The upper of the Asics Glideride Max Running Shoe is made of mesh knit fabric that has better than average breathability. The upper fits true to size, but if you have wide feet, you may buy a half size bigger. The tongue of the shoe is gusseted, moderately thick, with rather thin, that protect well against the tightness of the laces. The heel collar is well padded and stiffer than average. Both the heel collar and the tounge have pull tabs to make them easy to put on. Overall, the upper is very comfortable and supports longer runs.

Asics Glideride Max midsole

The Asics Glideride Max running shoe midsole is made up of 3 layers and continues to use GuideSole technology. The midsole is soft and comfortable, but also dynamic, making the shoe very versatile. It’s great for longer, even slower recovery runs, but you can also run some faster sections in it. The GuideSole technology means that the midsole of the shoe is curved (rocker), so the transition is much faster and smoother, and the foot tires more slowly. And in the Glideride Max, this curved rocker geometry is further supported by a stiffer EVA plate in the midsole. The midsole has 3 layers. On top is Asics’ new FlyteFoam Blast Max foam, a soft, flexible layer. In the middle is a compressed EVA foam plate that is stiff but more flexible than a carbon plate. This plate improves the energy transfer and stability of the shoe, but does not make the midsole stiff. Underneath is a thicker FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco foam, which is what most everyday Asics running shoes are made with in the midsole. The total height of the midsole is 44mm at the heel and 38mm at the forefoot with a 6mm drop. This high midsole deserves the name Max. The previous version had a midfoot height of 32 mm at the heel, but compared to other Asics everyday running shoes, the Gel-Nimbus 26, also for longer runs, has a 41.5 mm midfoot height at the heel, and the more dynamic Novablast 4 has a 41.5 mm midfoot height at the heel, but both have an 8 mm drop compared to the 6 mm drop of the Glideride Max. Only the Superblast 3 has a higher midfoot, 45 mm at the heel, but the midfoot is 37 mm thick at the forefoot, lower than the Glideride Max.

Asics Glideride Max outsole

The outsole of the Asics Glideride Max Running Shoe is made with HYBRID ASICSGRIP technology, which means it’s made of two different types of rubber with different properties. The gray part in the picture is the AHAR+ rubber compound, which is harder and has better wear resistance, and the green part is the AHARGRIP, which is softer and has better grip, so overall the outsole grips well and wears more slowly in the more stressed areas. The outsole is degmented and does not stiffen the midsole. To reduce weight, the outsole has cut-outs next to the patterns. This not only reduces weight, but also improves traction.

Summary

The Asics Glideride Max Running Shoe is a comfortable running shoe for longer distances. The upper has good breathability, is comfortable and snug and supports extended wear. The midsole is high and soft, but has good energy return so your feet feel less tired during longer runs. This shoe debuts Asics’ new FlyteFoam Blast Max midsole for maximum softness and comfort. The Glideride Max features GuideSole technology, which makes transitions faster and smoother, so your feet feel less fatigued. The outsole is HYBRID ASICSGRIP, which means it’s made of two different types of rubber, one for better grip and the other for better abrasion resistance. The Glideride Max is one of the thickest midsole Asics running shoes currently available, so if you’re looking for a comfortable, long-distance endurance running shoe, the Glideride could be one of your best choices.